Gateway to Judaism
Gateway is an adult learning group for FRS members who would like a basic overview of Judaism, non-Jews who are members of Jewish families, and people who want to become Jewish, either as individuals, couples or as a partner of a Jewish person. Most of the members also learn to read Hebrew, the main prayers and their meanings, and the structure of the service and Siddur.
We meet on Tuesday evenings, currently on Zoom, to explore what it means to be a Jew, to learn about Jewish rituals, history, festivals, and the Hebrew language. We discuss how Jewish values resonate in our lives, and how spirituality gives us a purpose and meaning. Members of FRS come to the classes to share their own ways of responding to Judaism in their life and their individual response to Tikkun Olam.
We have, or will be, visited by volunteers from the Chesed Group, Belarus Project, Winter Shelter and Citizens UK, Holocaust Memorial Day Workshops, 8th Rung, Israel Group, volunteer techies, High Holyday Organisers and our own lovely professional team. Some of us have been inspired to join FRS initiatives such as the High Holyday Choir or our group supporting Afghan Refugees, and we’ve all gained a deeper understanding of what it means to live as a Jew in the modern world.
In the past year our inspirational Rabbinic team led us in our learning, along with our Hebrew teacher Hagit Tal, and we thank them for guiding us with their kindness and wisdom. Although for much of the year we have been on Zoom, without our usual opportunities for Friday night post-service shared meals and sitting together in shul, we have, nevertheless, made personal and supportive connections with each other and the community.
Participants wishing to be Jews by choice are supported by our clergy team in the process of preparation and then going before the Bet Din. We’ve all been warmed by the joyous and welcoming responses from the whole community at affirmation ceremonies.
We are hoping this year to be able to be physically present at services and synagogue events, rather than on Zoom as we have been the last year – do come and say hello!
Irene Kay
